We stayed at Al Tondone at the end of September. It was a little difficult to find but we got there with the help of our GPS. Anna and her daughter Paula were so helpful and pleasant. My husband, who is studying Italian in the United States, was thrilled to be able to converse with Anna in Italian even though she speaks fluent English! The location is good as it is just a short bike ride or car ride into Lucca. The breakfasts were plentiful and it was nice to be able to converse with other guests from around the world.

We stayed here for two nights when we came to run the marathon in Lucca. It's true that Al Tondone is hidden away in the outskirts of Lucca but our GPS got us to within 200 yards. Anna is a wonderful lady and made us very welcome. Benito suggested a restaurant for us on our arrival and it was perfect.

Benito, Anna and their daugther Paola were very kind hosts and it seemed no trouble to them to pick me up from the gates of Lucca at the start of my stay, to dropping me off at the air port bus stop at the end of my stay. Their B&B is just outside the walls and it was very easy to cycle into and around Lucca. Anna was always available to provide information about places to visit either on the bike or on the trains and where to eat in Lucca for authentic local food and good value. Whenever I got back to the B&B at the end of a days adventures, they gave me a lovely warm welcome and I felt very looked after. The breakfasts were ample and as already mentioned by another reviewer, the homegrown tomatoes were the sweetest and tastiest I have ever had and breakfasts could be eaten in a leisurely way without the feeling of being hurried. My room was large, spacious with an ensuite and a balcony, I slept very well there. I
stayed for 4 nights and could have stayed longer as there was so much to do in and around Lucca; I don't think it is necessary to have a car for this area, it is quite flat and I quite easily reached some lovely villas on the outskirts by bike, taking my own little picnic picked up from a lovely bakery and small shops in Lucca beforehand.

A quaint and tranquil B&B, close enough to walk to the walled city of Lucca.

Anna - the hostess really made it for us, so was so helpful and couldn't do enough for us. We arrived late and wanted to go into the centre of Lucca to eat - she insisted on driving us down there so that we wouldn't lose our way in the dark.

Our room was very large, and pleasant for a B&B.

Breakfast is taken in a lovely conservatory overlooking the pretty garden. We stayed in September and Anna made Bruschetta with fresh tomatoes and basil from the garden.

Bikes are available to guests, and this certainly is the best way to see Lucca. It is only a few minutes by bike on a flat and mainly quiet road to the walls. We drove around the walls, and then through the city - chaining the bikes up to see the sights.

This is a great option for anyone (like us) who has a hire car, as it is difficult (if not impossible) to drive into Lucca, and it would be necessary to pay for parking outside the city walls for anyone staying in a city centre hotel. Al Tondone offers free parking.

We stayed for two nights, which we felt was sufficient.